The City Council voted Monday to appoint Dr. Joseph Callahan to fill the vacant Ward 4 seat for the remainder of the current term.
The Ward 4 seat was vacated in December 2015, nearly a year before the term expires. Remaining council members, following the City Charter, requested that interested Ward 4 residents apply to represent the ward until the next municipal election cycle. All five council seats are subject to election this year. The filing period to declare candidacy is set for August, with an election scheduled for Nov. 8.
In all, six applications were submitted. All six applicants were interviewed and invited to speak during a council meeting held Feb. 22.
On March 7, the council voted to appoint Callahan to the post. He was sworn in by City Attorney Jerry Maddux and was immediately seated.
Callahan has been employed with Phillips 66 as the director of Fitness Services since May 2014. He previously served as the Wellness Program manager with NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston, wellness director at Amarillo (Texas) National Bank, instructor at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas, proprietor and president of Panhandle Wellness of Amarillo, and fitness professional/youth strength and conditioning coordinator at Gold’s Gym & Athletic Club in Amarillo.
Callahan earned his doctorate degree from Texas Tech University, a master’s degree from University of Texas-Pan American and a bachelor of science degree from West Texas A&M University. He holds several certifications in the sports and health industries and has volunteered for numerous committees and boards, primarily in Texas, including the United Way, Red Cross and Big Brothers Big Sisters programs.